Due to a communal crisis, a court sentences the self-proclaimed Ondo traditional ruler and five other people to two years in prison.

They were arrested by the police on January 11, 2018, over the violence that erupted in the riverine community where people were injured and property destroyed. They were also charged to court on a 10-count bordering on violence and breach of peace.

At the beginning of the trial, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Babatunde Falodun, slammed a 10-count charge against Ojagbohumi, Victor Akinluwa, Isaac Ikuyelorimi, Lawrence Lemamu, George Eyekole and Segun Okenla over the violence that erupted in Aiyetoro on January 11, 2018. 

The prosecution claimed that the convictions’ offenses violated Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

George Eyekole, one of the prisoners, was accused of trying to kill Olu Obolo during the crisis by shooting him with a gun, in violation of Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

Despite the fact that the suspects entered not guilty pleas to every charge brought against them, the court found them guilty of intentionally causing property damage in violation of Section 37 of the Criminal Code and state laws.

Delivering his judgment, Justice David Kolawole found the convicts guilty of the offence and sentenced them to two years with hard labour.

The judge specifically sentenced Eyekole to five years in prison with hard labour for the attempted murder of Obolo during the mayhem.

He, however, gave them, except Eyekole, an option of a fine of N50,000, for the offences committed. The judge also asked them to pay N300.000 each as compensation for the damaged property.

Judge Kolawole stated that the prisoners would be held accountable for any additional breaches of the community’s peace and that, should they choose to pay the fine, it would be reimbursed in the event that the peace agreement was broken.

“The prison term that had been suspended through the payment of the fine will be reinstated and the government will refund the fine paid if there is a breach of peace in the community and any of the convicts is charged to court,” the judge decided.